Q.  My son has a disability and I look after him full time. Do I qualify for a Respite Care Grant?

07.06.10

The Respite Care Grant is paid once a year to certain carers of people who need full-time care and attention. It is paid automatically in early June if you are getting one of the following payments: Carer’s Allowance, Carer’s Benefit, Constant Attendance Allowance, Prescribed Relative’s Allowance or Domiciliary Care Allowance. If you got the grant last year, you do not need to apply again. You should have received a questionnaire from the Department (and returned it) to verify that you still qualify.

If you are not receiving one of these payments, you have to apply to the Department of Social Protection. To qualify you must be: Ordinarily resident in the State ; caring for your son on a full-time basis; caring for him for at least six months – including the first Thursday in June; living with your son or, if not, be contactable quickly by a direct system of communication, for example, telephone or alarm.
Your son must not normally live in a hospital, convalescent home or similar institution but may attend a non-residential training course or day care centre.

For 2010, the Respite Care Grant is €1,700 for each person being cared for. (You won’t qualify for the grant if you are working, studying or training outside the home for more than 15 hours a week; if you are getting an unemployment payment; or if you are signing on for unemployment credits.)
If you are not due to get the payment automatically, use application form RCG1. This is available from www.welfare.ie , from your post office, Social Welfare Local Office or Citizens Information Centre, or ring lo-call 1890 202 325.

Citizens Information: Buncrana 074 9363496; Carndonagh 074 9373741

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